Senate Defeats Resolution to Block Climate Change Action

Key vote means EPA still has authority to address climate change

The Humane Society of the United States hailed a key vote in the United States Senate upholding the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to address climate change. The Senate rejected the legislation introduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, by a vote of 47-53.

The resolution would have overturned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s conclusion that greenhouse gas pollution endangers public health and welfare.

“It would have been a terrible move for the Senate to toss out sound science and establish as the law of the land that greenhouse gas emissions aren’t dangerous, tying EPA’s hands when Congress hasn’t yet enacted meaningful climate change legislation,” said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO.

“We hope this vote will pave the way to Congress passing a strong climate and energy bill very soon. Climate change not only endangers people; it also poses a major threat to wildlife, pets, and all other animals—from habitat destruction and increasingly severe and frequent hurricanes, floods and other disasters.”

The risks that polar bears and seals face from shrinking ice caps are just high-profile examples of dangers facing all animals from unchecked climate change. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/28ootve.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.